For over three decades, WPBT2’s Viewpoint has brought various religious leaders and scholars together for discussions on topics of religious, moral and ethical importance to both South Florida and the world.
The goal of this monthly religion roundtable program is to provide a means by which the numerous religions of our community can come together to openly discuss timely and vital issues.
As communities grow and diversify, faith becomes an increasingly significant factor, and each religion offers a unique solution to the concerns of the community. How do today’s young adults view religion and spirituality? Is religion hampering science? Who hates in the name of God?
Spearheaded by host Steve Gushée, Viewpoint attempts to answer these and other questions in an effort to foster communication within the community and help educate viewers on different points of view.

April 04, 2014

This Month on Viewpoint - April

Sunday, April 6 @ 12:30 PM Sunday, April 20 @ 12:30 PM

Easter & PassoverFor both Jews and Christians, spring is a time of celebration. Although observed by seemingly different religious practices, Passover and Easter share historical and theological connections. Our panel discusses the origins and significance of these important holy days.

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The celebration of Easter is not based on the Bible. If you look into its history, though, you will see the true meaning of Easter—it is a tradition based on ancient fertility rites. Consider the following.

Name: The Encyclopædia Britannica says: “The English name Easter is of uncertain origin; the Anglo-Saxon priest Venerable Bede in the 8th century derived it from the Anglo-Saxon spring goddess Eostre.” Others link it to Astarte, the Phoenician fertility goddess who had the Babylonian counterpart Ishtar.
Hares, rabbits: These are symbols of fertility “handed down from the ancient ceremonial and symbolism of European and Middle Eastern pagan spring festivals.”—Encyclopædia Britannica.
Eggs: According to Funk & Wagnalls Standard Dictionary of Folklore, Mythology and Legend, the hunt for Easter eggs, supposedly brought by the Easter rabbit, “is not mere child’s play, but the vestige of a fertility rite.” Some cultures believed that the decorated Easter egg “could magically bring happiness, prosperity, health, and protection.”—Traditional Festivals.
New Easter outfit: “It was considered discourteous and therefore bad luck to greet the Scandinavian goddess of Spring, or Eastre, in anything but fresh garb.”—The Giant Book of Superstitions.
Sunrise services: These have been linked to rites of ancient sun worshippers “performed at the vernal equinox welcoming the sun and its great power to bring new life to all growing things.”—Celebrations—The Complete Book of American Holidays.
The American Book of Days well describes the origin of Easter: “There is no doubt that the Church in its early days adopted the old pagan customs and gave a Christian meaning to them.”